Education statistics are rarely neutral; those who collect and analyze them have different purposes. In this article, Bracey discusses several principles of data interpretation to help educators avoid falling into statistical traps. For example, because such reports as A Nation At Risk contain many "selected, spun, distorted, and even manufactured statistics," Bracey recommends, "If you find a statement the least suspect, ask to see the raw data." He provides examples illustrating why educators should also beware of selectivity, compare rhetoric with numbers, make sure that groups are comparable, know the difference between rates and scores, and do the arithmetic. (Contains 1 figure.)